A grounded theory study of software developers in IT startups in the Philippines

The rise of technology startups has been globally recognized as an engine that promotes innovation, steers economic development, and provides job opportunities. Despite its increasing value, it is also known that most startups fail. Among the innovative drivers in the development and success of startups are people. Thus, this research intends to study the experiences of software developers in IT startups in the Philippines, a country aiming to generate 500 additional startups that could create 8,500 skilled jobs by 2020. Specifically, this study aims to uncover the software developers\u27 main concern and the process of resolving their main concern using a Glaserian Grounded Theory Methodology (GTM). The result of the study could serve as a reference for the academe in the (re)design of the curriculum and for the government and private sector in advancing the needed support that is critical to the development of software developers and IT startup companies. © PACIS 2018